How to pronounce least
Say it like LEEST. Least is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce least. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LEEST
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Least pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LEESTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of least
American and British speakers say least in essentially the same way: /list/ in the US and /liːst/ in the UK.
British respelling: LEEST.
What does least mean?
- the superlative of little that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by the; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree“didn't care the least bit”“he has the least talent of anyone”
- used to form the superlative“The garter snake is the least dangerous snake”
- something that is of no importance“it is the least I can do”“that is the least of my concerns”
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with least
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of least.
Words that sound like least
Questions about saying least
How do you pronounce least?
Say LEEST. The American pronunciation is /list/. In British English it is /liːst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in least?
Least is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: LEEST.
Do Americans and Brits say least the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /list/ and the British form is /liːst/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as least?
Least sounds the same as leased in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.